The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2025 season with a thin margin at tight end, forced to lean on Jake Tonges after George Kittle’s injury sidelined the star.
Tonges seized the opportunity, recording 34 receptions for 293 yards and five touchdowns, numbers that hinted at a player ready to contribute beyond a mere stopgap.
A Quiet Contender Emerges
This offseason the team locked him in with a two‑year, $8 million contract, guaranteeing $3.5 million, signaling confidence that he can be a reliable option when Kittle is not at full strength.
Bleacher Report analyst Gary Davenport has highlighted Tonges as a potential fantasy bargain for the 2026 season, noting that his undrafted status in most leagues could translate into a high‑value pickup.
Kittle is currently rehabilitating an Achilles tear, and while the organization expects him back, there is no guarantee he will be fully ready for the opening week.
If Kittle’s availability remains limited, Tonges would inherit the top tight end role, a scenario that could reshape both the 49ers’ offensive rhythm and the fantasy landscape for those who spot his upside early.